About us

About Us

Cancer research is only worthwhile if it makes a real difference to people and families – we need better treatments for patients, with fewer side effects. We also need better ways of preventing people from getting cancer, for example by helping them to stop smoking and to have healthier lifestyles. Patients contribute to research by participating directly in clinical studies, but they and their carers and families can also be involved in other ways.

We invite patients, carers and others affected by cancer (also known as ‘consumers’) to participate in all aspects of NCRI’s work. At any one time, up to one hundred consumers will be involved in our activities; making contributions to the setting of our strategy and, through involvement in NCRI activities, shaping actions at national level as experts in the experience of cancer.

What we do

All consumers involved in the NCRI are members of the NCRI Consumer Forum. The forum aims to foster a vibrant and collaborative community to work with NCRI as partners in cancer research; exchanging knowledge and expertise in a coordinated way.

All of NCRI’s clinical research activities have consumer members (patient/carer representatives), such as on the 18 NCRI Clinical Studies Groups (CSGs). Consumer members participate in all aspects of the CSGs activities.

We also provide bursaries for NCRI consumers to attend the annual NCRI Cancer Conference. This is a great opportunity for our consumers to learn more about the latest scientific progress, network with the wider research community and use the knowledge and experience gained to further inform other activities they’re involved in.